Sheep are not an easy ride for the youngsters participating in the annual mutton bustin’ contests at the Payson rodeos. The event is part of both the Friday and Saturday night performances of the 15th Annual Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo this weekend.

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Pound for pound — and that’s animal and athlete combined — probably the most entertaining competitions at the 2010 Gary Hardt Memorial Spring Rodeo will be the youngsters that suit up to ride the wooly beasts in mutton bustin’ and the willful and wily livestock used in steer riding.